Tuesday, September 24, 2013

One Community. One Blue. One Beach!

Blue Cross/ Blue Shield Annual Service Day
with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

On September 18, 2013, eighty employees from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts joined Save the Harbor/Save the Bay for a beach cleanup in South Boston.

 
The 80 members of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s “Blue Crew” were part of the company’s 3rd annual company-wide service day, which included 3,000 employees and 16,000 service hours across the entire state.

The “Blue Crew” partnered with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and spent a full day removing trash, trimming bushes and overgrown brush, and weeding pathways and sidewalks that line the beach and adjacent parks and ball fields.  In total, the “Blue Crew” beautified 12+ acres of public parks, including 2 miles of sandy swimming beaches and 3 miles of urban parkways and removed more than 7 tons of trash and landscape debris.


Andrew Dreyfus, President & CEO Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Jeff Bellows, VP of of Corportate Citizenship were on hand – and hands on -  at the event.

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay to protect the public’s $4.5 billion investment in the Boston Harbor Cleanup.  Our employees share the mission to restore our public beaches and our harbor”, said Dreyfus. "Inspired by the vision and goals of our community partners, Service Day gives our associates the opportunity to strengthen cities, towns, and neighborhoods across Massachusetts and continues our more than 75 year legacy of community commitment - which has been a hallmark of Blue Cross since our founding."



Save the Harbor’s President Patty Foley, who learned to swim at L Street Beach, was impressed by what the “Blue Crew” accomplished and is proud to have earned their support.  “We value our partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield and their commitment to our community.  They are passionate about our mission to restore our harbor and beaches while creating the next generation of harbor stewards. BCBS is a truly a leader in corporate citizenship in our city and beyond.”


Jay Stack participated in last year’s service day with Save the Harbor and I stepped up and volunteered to be Site Coordinator for BC/BS Service Day 2013.  “I grew up in this town and had many fun on these beaches. It is really rewarding to give a little back.”


Bandi “Weed Killer” Braimn tackled weeds and invasive species with gusto. “What a productive day on Carson Beach”, said Bandi as he trimmed the overgrown brush among the sea grass.  “My granddaughter lives here so we bring her to these beaches.  This is a great opportunity to give back and teach her the importance of community service.”

Thanks to everyone who took part in this great event. All of us at Save the Harbor really appreciate your hard work and commitment to our mission and our community.

For information about Save the Harbor/Save the Bay visit our website at www.savetheharbor.org follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/savetheharbor  or visit our Boston Harbor blog “Sea, Sand & Sky” at http://www.blog.savetheharbor.org

For more information about the Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Massachusetts Day of Service, visit http://www.bluecrossma.com/service-day/

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